13 indicted in alleged northeast Ohio heroin ring

ASHTABULA, Ohio (AP) -- Authorities have broken up an alleged heroin trafficking ring in the northeast corner of Ohio and say one user died of an overdose.

A 42-count indictment unsealed in Cleveland federal court Monday says the suspects plotted to sell heroin in and around Ashtabula (ash-tuh-BYOO'-luh) from March to mid-August of last year.

Authorities say a young mother who was one of the customers of the alleged ring died of an overdose July 7. The death doubles the possible penalty for one of the defendants from 10 years to life in prison to 20 years to life.

The government will seek forfeiture of seized items, including more than $300,000 in cash, a pistol and five vehicles, including a BMW and two Cadillacs.